Reflecting on 20 years since 9/11

Written By SOAR

To our community of survivors, advocates, and allies,

20 years ago, we experienced unspeakable loss, and in the decades that followed, we’ve continued to endure the painful legacy of 9/11. We hold dear our Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian siblings who became, and continue to be, the targets of a rise in bullying, hate violence, profiling, surveillance, and discrimination.

In this moment of reflection, we also want to uplift the solidarity and community-building that has happened since 9/11 –– a movement which all of you have been a part of as friends, organizers, advocates, and organizations serving survivors and their families. We offer this invitation to reflect in the spirit that solidarity is not only how we stand together, but how we continue to advocate for change.

Last week, Sarah Khan, Director of Programs at API-GBV shared the following inspiring words in a congressional briefing:

“As we reflect on the past 20 years and we look forward to the next 20 years, it’s imperative that we examine these multiplicities (of violence) and how we are complicit in them. If we focus on those who are most marginalized, then we can and must change our understanding of violence and our approach to justice. Our existing responses of criminalization will not lead to safety, healing, and justice.”

Reflecting on 9/11’s impact on South Asian gender justice organizations

On September 22nd, 2002, nearly a year after 9/11, Manavi published a newsletter with a set of reflections from our organizations. These reflections powerfully capture the heightened emotions and changing tides of the moment. Please find excerpts from the newsletter below:

From Manavi in New Jersey

“Our work in the past year has been greatly affected by the events of September 11th. South Asian communities in New Jersey have become increasingly vulnerable to both backlash violence and stringent legislation....An overall lack of safety and increased insecurity has strengthened community mistrust of outsiders. In the face of continuing attacks on the community, women are encouraged to sacrifice their personal well-being for the sake of the community. Women become further alienated from larger society and the issues that affect them, such as violence, become even more invisible. The safety of women has become less of a priority as community emphasis is on protection from outside violence, not violence within the community.” - by Soniya Munshi (former Program Director, Manavi) | You can read the full reflection here.

From Raksha in Georgia

“Like many South Asian organizations, Raksha felt the need to be proactive in educating the community after 9/11. Raksha quickly mobilized its resources and sent out information on Hate Crimes and legal resources...Ten months after 9/11, Raksha continues to see the after effects it is still having on the South Asian community. Examples include work-place discrimination, reports of harsh treatment by police officers, racial profiling, and individuals being detained by INS. Additionally, many of the women we serve through our domestic violence work have been especially fearful of reporting the violence for fears that they will be deported.” - by Sonia Sharma (former President, Raksha) | You can read the full reflection here.

From Sakhi for South Asian Women in New York

“September 11th is a day that changed all of us. At Sakhi for South Asian Women, we grieve the loss of a long-time volunteer who worked on the 94th floor of Two World Trade Center. Swarna Chalasani gave so much love and attention to the Sakhi survivors she supported.”

“We have also learned after 9/11 how important it is to advocate not only for women's safety and rights, but also to ensure civil liberties are respected and sustained for all.” - by Purvi Shah (former Executive Director, Sakhi) | You can read the full reflection here.

From Chaya in Washington (now a part of API Chaya)

“In response (to the events of September 11) and in collaboration with The Hate Free Zone Campaign of Washington, we have developed Chaya's Community Response to Backlash Project. The goal of this project is to work on several fronts to positively support the victims of discrimination and hate crimes and to attempt to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future through the fostering of understanding and respect.” - by Sarah Rizvi (former Community Mobilization Coordinator, Chaya) | You can read the full reflection here.

We invite you to heal and reflect together

In lieu of an event, we invite you to reflect on the following questions:

  • How has 9/11 impacted the work of gender-based violence organizations?

  • On the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, what is important to recognize and commit to?

  • How will the last 20 years impact the next 20 years as we work towards safety, healing, and justice in our communities?

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